SSCR3956

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3956

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 588, 598, 599

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 588, 598, and 599, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Moloka'i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board

G.M. No. 588

JILL COOMBS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

G.M. No. 598

OSCAR IGNACIO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and

G.M. No. 599

JAMES BOSWELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Jill Coombs, Oscar Ignacio, and James Boswell for service on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

JILL COOMBS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jill Coombs from the Department of Agriculture, Hikiola Cooperative, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Molokai Chapter, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Coombs' background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a non-homestead farmer user on Molokai pursuant to section 167-23(a)(2), Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Ms. Coombs has been involved in agriculture industry for over twenty years, thirteen of which have been on Molokai growing crops that are watered by the Molokaʻi Irrigation System. She is currently employed as Production Lead for Bayer in Kaunakakai, Molokai, and has managed one of the largest farms on Molokai for the last six years. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Coombs has served on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board since her appointment in 2019 and is currently the Chairperson of the Board. Her leadership and insight regarding the design, upkeep, capabilities, and limitations of the aging Molokai Irrigation System will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jill Coombs be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on her background, experience, and commitment to public service.

OSCAR IGNACIO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Oscar Ignacio from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ignacio's background, experience, and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as the designee (by name rather than office) of Hikiola Cooperative, Inc. pursuant to section 167-23(a)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes. Prior to his current employment as a security guard for Bayer, Mr. Ignacio retired in 2018 with over thirty years of service at the Department of Agriculture. Your Committee notes that, over the course of his career with the Department, Mr. Ignacio was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Molokai Irrigation System and the delivery of agricultural waters to farmers, with the last ten years of his service as the District Manager of the Molokai Irrigation System. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Ignacio has previously served as the Vice President on the Molokai Livestock Coop Board and has an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members. His institutional knowledge of and experience with the Molokai Irrigation System and its users will enhance the effectiveness of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Oscar Ignacio be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on his background, experience, and desire to serve his community.

JAMES BOSWELL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of James Boswell from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Boswell's background, experience, and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a homestead farmer user on Molokai pursuant to section 167-23(a)(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Mr. Boswell has been involved in the agriculture industry for over thirty-five years. Before his retirement in 2016, he was an instructor and farm manager at the University of Hawaii Maui College, for almost thirty years, where he taught courses in botany, biology, and agriculture and managed the College's twenty-eight-acre farm on Molokai. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Boswell previously served on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board from 2008 to 2012 as a member, secretary, and chairperson and is a current member of the Molokai Land Soil Conservation Board. His knowledge of the needs of Molokai's diverse water users and passion for environmental stewardship will be an asset to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that James Boswell be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on his background, experience, and desire to serve his community.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair